Sweden’s ‘tough little robot’ will be here soon.
It may be Volvo’s smallest SUV yet, but the XC40 compact is about to enter one of the most hotly contested segments out there when it arrives on our shores in April. The petite XC40 will make its debut here with prices kicking off at $47,990 and topping out at just under $60k, within the ballpark of competitors like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
“The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction. It represents a fresh, creative and distinctive new member of the Volvo line-up. So it only feels natural to reveal the XC40 here in Milan, a buzzing European hotspot for fashion, art, design and lifestyle.” — Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Cars
When the XC40 arrives, it’ll be offered with two powerplants, and two trim levels. Those wanting a petrol mill will be served by the 2.0-litre T5 turbo, which offers a healthy 185kW and 350Nm. There will also be a D4 turbodiesel for high-mileage drivers, with an output of 140kW and 400Nm, definitely not to be scoffed at.
Both variants will get an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power will go to all-four corners, and will come with a whole raft of safety features.
Momentum models gains standard kit like 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning, keyless entry and go, all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, and LED headlights with auto dipped-beam, replete with the 'Thor's Hammer' daytime running lights.
Also standard are things like a 9-inch Sensus infotainment system, mated to an eight-speed 'high performance' audio system. Further, you'll find a 12.3-inch digital drivers' display, smartphone mirroring for both Android and Apple devices, wireless phone charging, powered drivers seat, and a cloth/vinyl combination upholstering.
Opting for an R-Design model gains a more aggressive exterior with lots of high-gloss elements, 20-inch diamond-cut alloys in black, a black roof finish, R-Design sports seats with Nubuck textile/nappa leather, a sports chassis, and perforated leather for the steering wheel and gear knob. The passengers' seat also gains electric adjustment, the lights gain a cornering function, a hands-free electric tailgate, and nicer interior ambient lighting.
The arrival of the XC40 will be marked with the limited offering of special ‘Launch Edition’ variants of both the Momentum and R-Design models, available with either of the two engines. While the standard variants have not had their specifications detailed, Volvo did go to some length in explaining what the Launch Edition cars will get over their plebeian siblings, justifying their increased prices ($5000 more for a Launch Edition Momentum, and $2000 more for a Launch Edition R-Design).
Momentum Launch Edition cars get over the standard models things like a sunroof, LED headlights with active bending, window tint, a HarmanKardon audio system, 19” alloys, keyless entry and go, electric front passenger seat, and “high interior illumination,” among others. The total cost of options is $10,120, but Volvo will charge you less than half that for the Launch Edition. Not bad.
The R-Design Launch Edition models also add the aforementioned items and then some, but charge just a $2000 premium over the regular model. Additional kit inlcudes things like adaptive cruise control, PilotAssist, parking assistance, a 360º camera system, and heated front seats.
The Volvo XC40 range will kick off with the Momentum cars, with T5's going for $47,990 and D4's for $50,990. R-Design models will go for $54,990 for the T5, and $57,990 for the D4. Limited-run Momentum Launch Editions will go for $52,990 and $55,990 for the T5 and D4 respectively, while R-Design Launch Edition models will go for $56,740 and $59,740 for the petrol and diesel versions.
Be sure to stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
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